Two Ukrainian Servicemen Stabbed to Death in Germany by Suspected Russian National

On April 27, 2024, two Ukrainian servicemen, aged 36 and 23, were stabbed to death by a 57-year-old suspected Russian national at a shopping center in Murnau, Bavaria, Germany. The victims were undergoing medical rehabilitation in Germany when the incident occurred. The older victim died at the scene, while the younger one succumbed to his injuries shortly after in the hospital.

The police apprehended the suspected Russian national at his home address near the crime scene shortly after the killings. The suspect is being investigated for two counts of murder. The motive behind the crime is currently unknown, and it is unclear if the three men knew each other.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the deceased were military personnel undergoing medical rehabilitation in Germany. Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksiy Makeiev, suggested that the perpetrator's hatred for Ukraine may have been the motive behind the murders and stated that the investigation is a "matter of honor". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed diplomats to keep the case under special control and remain in contact with German law enforcement to ensure the perpetrator is punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Why this matters: This tragic incident adds to the list of violent attacks against Ukrainians in Germany, highlighting the ongoing tensions and potential for violence stemming from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The case emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Ukrainian citizens residing in Germany, particularly those who have sought refuge or medical treatment due to the war.

The incident occurred more than two years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but it remains unclear whether the stabbing is directly related to the ongoing conflict. Germany has seen a significant influx of Ukrainian refugees since the Russian invasion in 2022, with the number of Ukrainian citizens in Germany surging from 138,000 in January 2022 to 1.15 million in October 2023. The country is also home to a large Russian immigrant community and 2.5 million Russians of German ancestry, mostly having moved to Germany after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. As the investigation continues, German authorities are asking witnesses to provide any information that could help clarify the situation surrounding this tragic event.

Key Takeaways

• Two Ukrainian servicemen stabbed to death by suspected Russian in Germany.
• Victims were undergoing medical rehabilitation in Germany when attacked.
• Suspect arrested, investigated for two counts of murder; motive unknown.
• Ukraine demands perpetrator be punished, calls case a "matter of honor".
• Incident highlights tensions from Russian-Ukrainian conflict in Germany.